Thursday, October 31, 2013

Friday Flush




Do you ever feel like saying this to someone?  I can assure you that we probably all do, but it probably wouldn’t help us out of an argument too much.  I have heard it said once that “one of the hardest thing about working with people is working with people.”  And, then we compound the issue by working with kids too! 

You guys are truly amazing in what you do.  You can focus your energy, time, and attention on what truly matters even with so many people with their hands in the pot.  There are so many people to get along with….so many “to do’s” to get done…..so many systems to remember and timelines to keep.  But, you do it, and you do it well.  In fact, you know how to stay focused on what matters.
 

 
The “main thing” for us is students….We need to focus on their needs…focus on their strengths FIRST and build up their weaknesses.  Focus on what they can do to develop what they can’t.  We can keep choosing the path that leads to more engaged students by staying focused on the task at hand.  We have to be driven people to succeed, and I know that we can do that.  We need to not focus on why others are wrong or why others don’t think like us, and we need to focus on how to make each day better than the one before. 
I hope everyone has a great Friday and enjoys this time of parent conferences….brag on their kids….let them see how much you truly care for their child….that is the main thing.  


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Monday Math Mush



I would say that this is a longer video than I typically like to choose for a mush or flush, but I totally think this is worth it.  We are focusing big time on our math, and we are continuing to focus on how to motivate/teach boys.  We talk often of how to start with the big picture and work to the specific which is how boys typically organize information.

These are two male high school teachers doing at TEDTalk.  It is basically a forum for the sharing of ideas.  There are 100’s of TEDtalks, but this one caught my attention.  These two guys do a great job of showing how important “schema” is in math.  We talk of schema all the time in ELA, but not as much in math.   This idea of schema is how these two teachers work to create critical thinkers. 

They continue to discuss how this method empowers the students to teach themselves because they have a confidence and skills.  They spoke to their improvement on test scores based on the implementation of these ideas.

They put the ideals on putting the power of learning into the students hands, and it seems to be successful.  I like their presentation because it is real.  They aren’t professional speakers or thinkers…they are teachers with a new way to present information. 

I hope you think about how this concept could help your classroom.  I don’t want you to bite off so much that you don’t think you can implement it.  Find practical ways or lessons that you can start with the concept.  Think of something you have taught before…you KNOW how is usually goes….Now try this concept….compare the two.  I think it will be eye opening what we see. 

We all need maps and schema….we need to find ways to put them into our teaching in real and meaningful ways. 

Thanks for watching the longer video and spending time thinking about how schema can better the lives of students by empowering their own learning.

Happy Monday!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Facing the Lions -Friday Flush


Ok, there is a story I have heard a few times that is quite amazing.  It is one of those that I am slightly afraid to research as it may not be true, and I prefer to think it is….

There are tons of safari tours in Africa…I have been on one.  I was in jeep with binoculars…pretty safe.  There are walking tours too…didn’t do that…but most give you guides with guns.  Still pretty safe.  However, I have heard there are only 3 tour companies in Africa that will do a walking lion tour and not carry a gun.  The guides say they don’t need them.  They know something about fear that keeps them safe. 

The guides say that lions prey on the weak.  They are actually animals that win by intimidation.  They have sharp teeth and growl big, and in a fight, they will win.  But, the guides say that you can stand your crowd.  If you turn and run, you lose everytime. 

The guides literally charge at the lion.  This lion can run about about 50 mph while growling.  The guides raise their arms, slobber if they can, and charge right back.  They say EVERY time they lion turns away even at the last second.  They bluff as far as they can, but in the end, they give up.

Now, I will never personally test this strategy, but what does it have to do with us?

We all have obstacles in our life…both professionally and personally.  We have things that charge us and demand our attention.  Things that look like we can never survive an encounter with.  Things that look us in the eye and make us afraid.  Makes us want to give up or run the other direction.

However, there is hope…there is a way to deal with obstacles head on.  It is scarier and takes way more courage, but the obstacles become smaller.  We become bigger. 

I want you this weekend to think of that obstacle in your life that you know about.  Are you letting it stay there and hoping it doesn’t get worse?  If it is “charging you,” are you going to charge right back? 

I would challenge you to find those obstacles and deal with them head on.  Slobber too, you have my permission!

Happy Friday!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Monday Mush



It’s going to be a great Monday.  We have everything in place for what we need.  We truly have a week that can go any direction that we choose.  I hope we find a way to capitalize on that!

I love knowing that we have a blank canvas in front of us to start painting on.  Do you know what you want the finished product to look like?  Visualize that BEFORE you start.  Then keep that image of success in mind the whole time.  Masterpieces were planned, visualized, and kept consistent.  I doubt too many famous painters, sculptors, and other artists just figured it out as they went.  I don’t think the Sistine Chapel or the Mona Lisa were started with “just throw some paint up and we will see what happens.”

We don’t want to do that with kids either.  Covey says “Begin with the end in mind.”  It makes us stronger educators the more we are able to do that.  I learn so much from you guys everyday…thank you for being proactive.  Thank you for all you do.

Happy Monday.


Friday, October 18, 2013

Friday Flush



 

I think this quote is a great illustration of what we do…but more importantly it is our job to kids to be in charge of their own learning.  Through that process, they can teach others.  In many cases because of the technology that we possess, they can truly teach the world.  If they can explain it simply, then you know they truly understand it. 

To teach a subject or topic inside and out means that we can truly understand it….we understand the effects it has….we understand was causes it….we understand how to see it from a birds’ eye view….we understand it under a microscope.  We get it…..

How amazing would it be for kids to have that kind of confidence in their learning….they understand a topic or skill that thoroughly….that would snowball and create enthusiasm like we have never seen.

We can no longer do what we have always done…we are reaching for ways to make a bigger impact on students…thank you for being dedicated to doing that….thank you for helping kids understand all the subjects you teach….Thank you for the difference that you make!


Monday, October 14, 2013

No More Ordinary -- Monday Mush 10/14/13


“The world doesn’t need any more ordinary people in the workplace…there are already plenty of those.”  --- Rick Lytle. 

I listened to a speaker that spoke to how to make a mission of your workplace.  Those were his words in the quote above.  They truly hit me.  We see ordinary all over the place in the world, but what stands out to us is the extraordinary.  We don’t ever take the time to fill out a “customer service card” at Whataburger unless the service was either extraordinary or horrid.  Ordinary doesn’t get our attention.  Ordinary is what anyone can do. Sadly, ordinary is what we are used to.  

I want more than ordinary for this school.  I want more than ordinary for your lives.  I want more than ordinary for these kids. 

I don’t want to invest a large chunk of my life into something ordinary…into something that only “paid the bills.”  I want to invest my life into a mission that matters.  We have soooooo many to do’s, tasks, and overwhelming responsibilities, but they do become easier when we realize WHY we do them.

The speaker challenged us to look at Monday in different eyes.  To not dread Mondays…to not see “work” as only something you have to get through to get a paycheck.  It CAN be a place that fulfills you and energizes you, if you believe what you are doing is your mission.  If you see your job as a means to pass your talents, gifts, and abilities onto others, then it isn’t a dreadful place….it is a place that you want to be.  It is a place that gives you a greater purpose…

I needed that message.   I needed to be reminded that I am here for a reason…that ordinary isn’t enough.  Thank you for your mission….thank you for striving to be more than ordinary….thank you for passing your gifts on to soooo many students and coworkers. 

Happy Monday!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Friday "Flush"


Below is a blog posting that Jennifer Johnson emailed me.  Amazing read and very convicting.  As you know, I believe 100% in not “doing this alone.”  We need parents, community, and each other to be a successful place for the students.  We need to all be playing on the same team with the same information to be 100% successful….we will miss up, but because of that trust and relationship, we will continue doing great things and improving. 

I appreciate your willingness to try and try and try again….we need those players on our team that don’t stay down and never give up.  (even when the kids do).  Thank you for all you do…thanks, Jennifer for the “Friday Flush”

 


Ryan Kennelly. There is always a reason why you remember their names, even when you've known thousands, tens of thousands of names. Ryan Kennelly. Football player. Second row. Third seat back. This is all I knew about him after the first six weeks of school.

I didn't know the color of his eyes. I didn't know that he loved to read. I didn't know his mom wasn't around. I just knew if he didn't care enough about language arts to stay awake in class, then I didn't care enough to wake him up.

He had an F at midterm. That happens when you never complete any work. The afternoon after midterm reports went home, I flicked off my classroom light and turned to find a man standing in the classroom doorway. Ryan Kennelly stood behind him, his head down.

"Mrs. Ayres? I'm Ryan's dad." The work boots on his feet,along with his  jeans and shirt were coated with dirt that can only come from hard work. He shook my hand. His hands were rough, but his fingernails were clean. "I wanted to talk to you about Ryan's grade."

His eyes were kind. He reached behind him and put his hand behind Ryan's shoulder, gently moving him up to the conversation. I noticed Ryan's eyes were the same warm brown as his dad's.

He wasn't the parent I expected for a kid who sleeps in class. I stumbled through explaining that Ryan didn't complete any work, so he was failing.

Mr. Kennelly nodded. He squeezed Ryan's shoulder and looked me straight in the eyes. "Why didn't you call me?"

I didn't know five words could be filled with such disappointment. I couldn't answer him because the truth was so wrong: I didn't think you'd care.

He spoke again, "Now he can't play football. It's the one good thing in his life right now. We're just trying to get through. If I knew, then I would have helped Ryan get his work completed. I just didn't know."

My stomach twisted, knowing the mistake I made was because of my own misjudgment. "I'm sorry," I said. Then I gave him the work which Ryan brought to school complete the following day. I went to the principal and admitted my mistake, showing Ryan's current grade now that the work was turned in. I wrote a letter, asking for Ryan to be allowed to return to the football team.

It's a mistake I didn't make again. We're just trying to get through, Mr. Kennelly's voice haunts me from time to time. Now, fifteen years later and a mother to four, I know what he meant.

Tonight I had a meeting with one of my kids' teachers. She's a first year teacher and, like every first year teacher, is making some mistakes. I'm on the other side of the table this time. I hope my eyes are kind.

For the entire meeting I can't shake Ryan Kennelly from my mind.

I extend grace.

"Tomorrow is a new day," I said. "Let's just be glad we're not brain surgeons. They don't usually get a second chance."

The new teacher smiles, even laughs a little. It's going to be okay. This is education at its finest -- learning and growing from our mistakes.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Monday Mush


Ok, I heard this point today, and I thought it was perfect for the jobs that we do.

Someone said today that we should focus on our lives in such a way that people would miss us terribly, if we had to leave. I think nothing would speak more to a job well done or a strong relationship built if someone says "oh no, not her" or "we can't lose him, he is vital...."

We want to be teachers that our students and parents cant live without, employees that our central office can't function without, co-workers that our team can be without, spouses/friends/siblings/children that our loved ones can't make it without, and such amazing neighbors that our neighborhood isn't the same because we left.

If you were to have to be transferred to Honduras tomorrow, would you be that employee that can't be replaced? Would you be the one that we scramble to find anyone half as good? I am lucky to work with so many people that fit that category. You are meant to do what you do, and you are clearly here because you are designed for where you are.

This week focus on making the world a better place in practical ways. Find ways to support kids that need support more than ever...find ways to go beyond your "typical" role on your team....find a way to love your family more than you currently do. Become better in very small ways...look for the ways that you can make a difference...and do it!

Thank you for giving yourself everyday...thank you for not giving up on these kids...they deserve to have the best teacher that they have ever had. Find a mirror, if you want to see him/her....

You guys are awesome...I couldn't replace you!

Happy Monday!

Friday, October 4, 2013

Friday Flush


We made it to the end of the week!  Sometimes they seem longer than others, don’t they?  I appreciate the things I have seen this week.  So many engaged students and teachers. 

This week, I have “heard through the grapevine” lots of different things.  Things that are very negative towards people and things that are obviously not true. It is shocking sometimes what people choose to talk about has no truth or very little, at best.  I have to commend you, as teachers though, you are not the group where I am hearing it.  You guys do an amazing job at keeping conversations “above board.”  I can see that you guys deal with issues head on with the parties that can help resolve them.  That is HUGE, and that makes this a wonderful place to work.  So, know that my comment above isn’t about you.  It just seems like this week I have heard bits of gossip in lots of different avenues in life, and it hit me once again how detrimental gossip can be to a person and an organization. 

So, I want today’s “flush” to have 2 parts.  Number 1…be encouraged if you hear something about you, your team, or your school that isn’t true.  Sometimes, people want to drag you down to make themselves feel better….sometimes people assume if they don’t understand it, it must be bad….sometimes people are just misinformed.  It isn’t always personal…and it doesn’t make it true, if someone says it loudly!  Be encouraged that you are not alone.

Secondly, it is always a great reminder that our words have amazing power.  We can hurt or uplift with our words.  We are a profession that is based on words, so I do think we understand that…  We rely heavily on team, so think of ways over the weekend to continue to support your team and how we can continue to squelch gossip. 

Below is the excerpt from an online article that I found…worth reading…link it at the bottom. 

1.  Know what gossip is. Friendly work banter and gossip are worlds apart. But how do you tell the difference? Consider the following:

 

o    Discussion: A friendly work discussion that talks about others keeps the references to other people general, friendly and supportive. The speaker is not obsessed with picking holes in another person's character but is merely imparting information about what another person or people have done in a matter-of-fact way, to further an objective, work-related conversation and to enlighten the listener about work relevant information;

o    Gossip: Gossip tends to be talk that gains attention for the speaker. The speaker will often adopt a confidential tone and is using the information about somebody else to be the center of attention and will impart the details in a way that tries to undermine the credibility or likability of another person. The details may be given with moralizing undertones and character assassination may be the top of the gossiper's agenda. Often you are told more personal details than you care to know about. The motivations behind gossip include attention-seeking, self-inflation, exaggeration and a me-versus-them mentality;

o    Grapevine gossip: This is gossip pertaining to general change occurring within a workplace. Someone started it and now it is running about like wildfire. Usually this happens in an uncertain environment and is fueled by fear, poor communications from management levels and wild guesses by staff. It is less personal than gossip attacking another person but is as equally damaging and demoralizing.

2.

Don't take work gossip to heart. A lot of work gossip is just that - gossip. It is filled with innuendo, rumors, errors and even deliberately malicious nonsense. Take it with a pinch of salt rather than reacting personally or defensively. There is no doubt that gossip must be dealt with strongly and immediately but it will not help your situation as a team leader or colleague to take it personally. Focus instead on the reality that there is an underlying reason or series of reasons causing the gossip and focus on dealing with it objectively as a task rather than as a personal attack to be foiled in an emotional or angry manner. 

3

Arm yourself with the facts. Is there truth to the tall tales? Sometimes there is a kernel of truth and this should be uncovered before addressing the problem so that you are well placed to respond with facts rather than emotions. This is especially important in relation to change management gossip where wild ideas take root quickly and spread even faster; look for factual answers by asking questions of the right people, namely, those who are in a position to give definitive and accurate answers. You may also need to seek additional facts from trustworthy sources such as internal bulletins, official publications and meeting minutes if there is gossip about changes or redundancies that might sideswipe your response. 

4

Assess the context. Which type of gossip are you dealing with - personal gossip or workplace change gossip? Both require fast and firm treatment to prevent staff morale from plummeting. The following two steps address each type. 

5

Address workplace change gossip with speed, supportiveness and honesty. During times of rapid change and uncertainty in a workplace, gossip will naturally increase due to fear and anticipated negative outcomes. It is important to realize this and to sort the fear factor from the facts. If you are a team leader, be a source of reassurance to your team by acknowledging their fears and worries. Armed with prior researched facts, tell them what you do know; equally tell them what you don't know and do not make things up. When you don't know something, tell them that you'll find out. Be the rock that supports them and diverts gossip back on itself. 

6

Challenge a personal gossiper directly. Some people gossip because they enjoy it or they feel insecure about others in the workplace. Most gossipers are pure attention-seekers. A persistent and long-term gossiper must be stopped in their tracks by calling their bluff. View such people as attention-seekers and give them some attention within limits by hearing them out in a closed-door meeting: 

o    Inform the gossiper that you want to know what is really bothering them. Ask them why they are telling you the information (that you perceive as gossip). Forcing them to explain will cause them to realize that you have seen through their muckraking for what it is.

o    Another tactic is to inform the gossiper that you are prepared to follow up the gossip with the targeted person. This will let the gossiper know that the information is going back to the targeted party and the gossiper will likely retract or apologize.

o    Be positive and genuinely seek to assist the gossiper. Engage the gossiper in a conversation that lets them air their realgrievances and be understanding but firm in your responses. Maybe they are peeved that they missed out on a training or promotion opportunity; maybe they are annoyed that the victim of the gossip has a special work deal or work hours that they also want to have. Dig a little deeper and see if there is a fair solution that can be reached.

o    Be realistic. If the gossiper sees your direct approach of fair discussion as threatening and refuses to be forthcoming in what is really bugging them, be firm in letting them know that the gossip must stop. Often confronting a gossiper in this direct manner is enough to alert them to stop; or they may choose to move on under their own steam. At the end of the day, however, it may be necessary to make it clear that gossip is not tolerated at all at work, to the extent of letting go of a person who persists in this behavior.

o    Remember the "kernel of truth" mentioned above. Whilst it is not appropriate to assume that the target of the gossip is deserving of the muckraking, sometimes the gossiper's loose talk might have pointed out a weakness in a work practice or a person's skills that may need attending to. Do some discreet homework to see if perhaps there is need for improved communications, some staff training or other means for improving work morale that might have been overlooked in general. In other words, look for some positives a midst the negative situation that will allow your team and workplace to self-improve as a result.

7

Don't participate in work gossip. If you participate in work gossip, you perpetuate it and you belittle yourself. In particular, if you have leadership aspirations, or you are already in a position of leadership, any participation in work gossip by you will be viewed negatively and as anti-team spirited. Always ask yourself about your motivation when discussing others in a personal way within the work context; if you are talking about them to ingratiate yourself with others or to make yourself appear better, then it is likely that you are gossiping.

8

Make it company policy to discourage gossip. It is important that staff members are aware of how gossip is treated in your company. Make this a constructive and positive policy, however, by showing what employees should do rather than telling what not to do. For example, provide examples of what your workplace considers to be gossip and provide examples of how to avoid this type of negative interaction.

This list was taken from http://m.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Office-Gossip   Many other videos and great tips are there!